Starting Off The Year Right

The First of Many

The beginning of the year is a crazy time for club meetings. This week in particular was filled with different morning and afternoon meetings for various clubs. I attended meetings for multiple service clubs and honor societies. We discussed service opportunities, club attendance, and fun activities. These meetings encouraged me to start thinking about my own ideas for service projects and group discussions for my club Friends of Rachel.

On Wednesday, I was one of the leaders in our very first meeting of the year. As all the former members and new comers flooded in the room, I got a rush of excitement for all the adventures before us. We discussed different service projects that would be held throughout the year and brainstormed about new ideas. We also played a game to get to know everyone a bit more. We talked about our likes and dislikes and what we look for in real friends. It felt refreshing to talk to people my age again about what we want to do to make everyone feel appreciated, accepted, and safe.

The Club

Friends of Rachel is about letting everyone know it is okay to be different and express yourself in unique and amazing ways. We don't judge others for what they believe in, for how they dress, or for who they're friends with. We're here to help each other escape the hard times and learn to be thankful for everything we have. This club has always been important to me because its all about making it known to everyone that they're in a safe and respectful place where they can talk about their great day or even their hard week.

As a loyal member and vice president of this club, I have become friends with people I normally wouldn't meet. I have learned to be more compassionate to other people's situations, and have become a better listener. I have helped to better less fortunate lives with service projects and with being able to just sit and talk to someone who needs comfort and advice.

More To Come 

Later in the week, people continued to stop by the club classroom. Members were already coming back and expressing their excitement for the year. Students who couldn't make the first meeting also came by. I told them what they missed and that we couldn't wait to see them next time. The first meeting of our club this year, helped me realize even more how significant this club is to so many people.